CN101099397B

CN101099397B - Powered patch panel

Info

Publication number: CN101099397B
Application number: CN200580014079.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·A·诺丁; M·博卢里-萨兰萨; M·V·杜尔瑞
Original assignee: Panduit Corp
Current assignee: Panduit Corp
Priority date: 2004-05-03
Filing date: 2005-04-29
Publication date: 2012-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2025-04-29
Also published as: US20090081888A1; JP5058786B2; US7771203B2; CN101099397A; WO2005107397A2; US20050245127A1; US7993143B2; US20090263980A1; US20100304577A1; TWI361531B; JP2008501259A; TW200614609A; WO2005107397A3; EP1743490A2; US7553161B2; EP1743490B1; ATE524929T1; US7455527B2

Abstract

A powered communications patch panel is adapted to power network devices connected to the communications patch panel. Power is supplied to the network devices by the powered communications patch panel over the communication cabling. The powered communications patch panel may be provided with a management port to allow remote management of the patch panel via a network connection. Multiple management ports may be provided, allowing patch panels to be connected to one another in a daisy-chain configuration.

Description

The distributing frame that powers up

The cross reference of relevant application

The sequence number that the application requires on May 3rd, 2004 to submit to be 60/567,765 and title be the U.S. Provisional Application No. of " distributing frame that powers up ", this application integral body is quoted at this as a reference, its agent's label is LCB464.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to communication device, relate in particular to the used system and method for communication network that active socket is used in management.

Background technology

Along with network becomes bigger and closeer, the communication requirement that satisfies relative broad range with Local Area Network is more and more general.Equally, when connectivity problem occurs, the demand of timely response has been increased for LAN provides documentation and manages problems such as LAN.This is seeming even more important when internet protocol voice technology (VOIP) when occurring, the function of the alternative traditional electrical phone network of VOIP, but still run on the identical LAN as data, services at present.Local area network (LAN) is born increasing responsibility for the total telecommunication capacity that carries commerce or family.

System should make access point or distributing frame place minimum to manually-operated demand when abilities such as documentation, management and failure diagnosis are provided.Usually, telephone network and data network safeguard that as the network of two separations they have separately cabling requirement and characteristic.This mainly is because telephone service has been proposed to possess when having a power failure constantly the function isotactic provisioning request of words and such as the more high relatively electrical problems of DC jingle bell audio voltage.

In many aspects, the LAN cabling scenario is followed telephone scheme, comprising the wall jack plate of the distributing frame that goes between backward.Yet cables types is still different with characteristic.For bigger office, dwelling house and work at home (SOHO) and multitenant unit installations such as (MDU) for, this point is real.

Summary of the invention

According to one embodiment of present invention, system can use active electrical outlet.According to some embodiments of the present invention, this active socket can be placed among two or more in the distributing frame on the wall of enterprise office, in the cable distribution apparatus, in the subscriber equipment or in these zones.According to some embodiments of the present invention, this active socket comprises at least two 10/100Mb/s ethernet ports, and is the NE (NE) on the Local Area Network.An ethernet port of this active socket is the network port, and is connected to the horizontal wiring of LAN system.At least one other port is a user port, can insert this user port so that obtain the visit to LAN such as ethernet devices such as personal computer (PC) or ip voice technology (VOIP) phones.This active socket can serve as the dual-port Ethernet switch, is used for route data between these two ports.

According to one embodiment of present invention, physical location information (being room, floor etc.) is associated with the MAC Address of active socket.Because active socket has MAC Address, so when being powered up or be present on the networking really by inquiry, it send ARP message in response to the ARP(Address Resolution Protocol) Intra-request Concurrency of coming automatic network.The related physical positional information of this ARP message and active socket can be used to provide the relevant information of connection state with structuring cable system (being the LAN cable plant).

According to one embodiment of present invention, active socket is the electronic component that needs the DC power supply, and the DC power supply can be from such as obtaining the power supply supply arrangements (PSE) such as power supply that meet IEEE 802.3AF.This power supply is deployed in the network as the DC power supply, and for use in the equipment that powers up (PD) that is connected such as VOIP phone etc., this equipment that powers up receives electric energy according to " network distribution " scheme.According to some embodiments of the present invention, the power consumption of active socket is very little, and dump energy then is given to the equipment that powers up (PD) (if being connected with PD really) that joins.

There are some kinds of methods DC to be provided power supply for active socket.According to one embodiment of present invention, use is equipped such as PSE such as Ethernet switch or ip routers.According to another embodiment, can use distributing frame or mid-span distributing frame.When distributing frame is equipped with active socket, just obtained manageable structure cable PSE system.If active socket is used between distributing frame and the terminal equipment, then can increase the range of management that distributing frame has.

Present cable plant management and security maintenance method depend on the state of horizontal cable system and/or distributing frame maintenance quite stable.In addition, if change, then require to carry out manual operation for they provide complete document and need to get into safety/Management System Data storehouse.According to one embodiment of present invention, the use of active socket can help to monitor the state of stube cable and horizontal cable system, thereby manageable, a structurized cable system is provided.If move or remove specific cable, the active socket that then links to each other with this cable will lose upstream network and be connected.Through per second " heartbeat " IP transmission once that is connected to upstream switches, the active socket in the distributing frame is change detected periodically.Because PSE links to each other with PD, so PSE can immediately report opening circuit on the stube cable.Active socket can optionally send message to adjacent active socket, so that the report communication issue.When connection rebulid, active socket can send ARP message, tell coupled any miscellaneous equipment it got back on the line again.Rebulid along with what connect, therefore sign is connected to the switch ports themselves of distributing frame port, and this is the importance of management stube cable connection status.Because physical location information can be associated with active socket, so also can be identified and note even the cable plant in a moment changes.

Because active wall jack is manageable NE, so just can obtain long-range observability through the management and the executive component of communication network.Thereby active socket provides remote monitoring need not send the technical staff to go to confirm equipment integral or this needs have been reduced.Can long-range termination service or reset service.In addition, also can obtain itemize and control through the endpoint device of using active socket to be connected to network.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, when the client uses soft IP phone or VOIP external hardware phone, can use these management and secure context.This active wall jack can provide the power supply (for phone provides electric energy) on the Ethernet and/or physical position address is provided, thereby supports the E911 service.

The continuous VOIP of words in order to support to have a power failure, the PSE switch can be used to guarantee that all enterprise switch have enough DC power supplys, so that use when AC has a power failure.The inner exchanging machine will continue management and guide the calling of VOIP phone to the outside, but refuse other IP data trade.According to one embodiment of present invention, the advantage with power supply wiring frame of active socket is that it allows upstream switches when AC power supplies has a power failure, to close.Then, can data volume be guided to the VOIP gateway of " constantly talking about during power failure " from distributing frame, constantly VOIP gateway support voice data volume and/or a spot of data traffic of words in the time of wherein should having a power failure.

According to one embodiment of present invention, distributing frame is used for to the equipment of powering up electric energy being provided through communication cable.Can power supply be provided by IEEE 802.3af standard or such as other agreements such as ownership protocol.

Description of drawings

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 a is the isometric view of active wall jack;

Fig. 1 b is the end view of active wall jack;

Fig. 2 a is the sketch map of active wall jack;

Fig. 2 b is the schematic block diagram of the optional embodiment of active wall jack;

Fig. 3 a, 3b and 3c show the different configurations of active standard wall jack in the plate;

Fig. 4 a, 4b, 4c and 4d are the end views according to the optional embodiment of active wall jack of the present invention;

Fig. 5 shows the block diagram that position data gets into active wall jack;

Fig. 6 shows the block diagram of used power distribution of active wall jack and cable management scheme;

Fig. 7 shows the use block diagram of the communication network of active socket according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 shows the block diagram of the emergency power supply system that comprises the distributing frame that has the source socket;

Fig. 9 is the sketch map that has the distributing frame of source socket and shared circuit;

Figure 10 is the sketch map of active socket according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 is the block diagram of distributing frame execution mode according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is the block diagram of distributing frame execution mode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 is the block diagram of distributing frame execution mode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 is the block diagram of distributing frame execution mode according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 15 is the block diagram of multitenant unit network according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 is the block diagram of network according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 is the cross-sectional view of the patch panel assemblies that powers up according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 18 is the top view of the distributing frame circuit unit that powers up embodiment illustrated in fig. 17;

Figure 19 shows the block diagram of the operating position of the distributing frame that powers up according to one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 20 a and 20b are respectively front view that powers up distributing frame and top views straight in the rack;

Figure 21 a and 21b are respectively front view that powers up distributing frame and the top views that the angle is arranged in the rack.

Embodiment

Referring now to accompanying drawing, first 1a with the aid of pictures, what show active socket 10 waits macrostructure figure.Active socket 10 comprises two

shell

12a and 12b, and they can form plug receiver hole 14, and image pattern shows that hole among the shell 12b is such.According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, a kind of connector of active socket 10 is plugs, and other connector then is insulator displacement connector (IDC).

Shell

12a and 12b can be the used the sort of types of communications connector; This is at people's such as Doorhy the United States Patent (USP) 6 that is entitled as " Low Crosstalk ModularCommunication Connector "; 371; Have in 793 in more detail and describe, this patent was issued on April 16th, 2002, and its entirety is quoted at this as a reference.Being installed in the plug receiver hole is a plurality of connectors 16, when plug is connected to active socket 10, and these connectors and communication plug formation Elastic Contact.Guidance connector 16 passes the shell of active socket 10, thereby contacts with printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) 18.According to one embodiment of the invention, about 5/8 inch of the x dimension of PCB 18, about 2 inches of y dimension, and be sandwich construction, be coated with copper to greatest extent on it so that dispel the heat, and this PCB18 can support electronic component 20.This figure shows the shell that separates with circuit board 18 with the form of exploded view, can expose hot joining contact 22 like this, and this thermo-contact sheet helps the heat of circuit board 18 and element 20 is passed to the such crust component of pixel spare 12b in one embodiment.Fig. 1 b shows the relevant active socket 10 of a kind of and installable panel 24, and its type is that the COM1 in the wall locations is used always.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the environment in the data discharge case is supported in the thermal design of active socket 10.Because in this shell, almost do not have air flow, so heat radiation is not too effective according to some embodiment.Shown in Fig. 1 b, active jack design can comprise lower thermal resistance contact chip, and it sees through the outside that connector shell 12b touches shell.In another embodiment of the present invention, shell is made up of high thermal conductivity material (such as the material that is mixed with metal), to help heat radiation.In optional embodiment of the present invention, the electronic component 20 on the printed circuit board (PCB) 18 is set among the

shell

12a or 12b of active socket 10.

Referring now to Fig. 2 a, show the sketch map of active according to an embodiment of the invention wall jack 10.According to one embodiment of the invention, the element of active inlet unit 10 all is installed on the PCB 18.Element illustrates as functional unit shown in Fig. 2 a, and they can be realized by various combinations.These elements comprise dual-port Ethernet physical device (PHY) 26 at least, and this device 26 comprises receiver 28a, 28b and reflector 30a and 30b.Although Fig. 2 shows dual-port Ethernet device, should be appreciated that principle of the present invention can be applied to have the active socket of more than two ports, this can discuss hereinafter.

Receiver 28 is electrically connected to receiving transformer 32a, 32b and emission transformer 34a, 34b respectively with reflector 30.Receiving transformer 32a, 32b and emission transformer 34a, 34b further are electrically connected to a plurality of connectors (being the label 16 among Fig. 1) of

shell

12a and 12b respectively.The form of these connectors can be the connection 37 of network one side and the connection 39 of user's one side.PHY 26 is connected to ethernet medium access control (MAC) processor 36, and this processor 36 constitutes the dual-port Ethernet switch on function.

According to some embodiments of the present invention; The PSE power supply that meets IEEE 802.3AF is the circuit supply of active socket 10, according to a this PSE power supply of embodiment negative common-mode voltage (from the centre cap of receiving transformer 32a, this negative common-mode voltage being extracted negative main line 38) and positive common-mode voltage (from the centre cap of emission transformer 34a, this positive common-mode voltage being extracted positive main line 40) is provided.IEEE 802.3AF standard also allows to exchange negative and positive circuit." DC is to DC " transducer 42 is connected to negative main line 38 and positive main line 40, and electric energy is provided for the circuit of active socket 10.Place a resistor 44 across voltage rail 38 and 40, its resistance is enough big to exist a power supply requirement device (PD) so that signal PSE.According to one embodiment of the invention, the impedance of resistor 44 is 26 kilo-ohms, also can use greater or lesser impedance in certain embodiments of the invention certainly.In the power supply throughput mode, voltage rail 38 and 40 is electrically connected to the centre cap of emission transformer 34b and receiving transformer 32b through optional switch 46, thereby allows other PD in downstream from this PSE, to obtain electric energy.The IEEE802.3AF draft standard does not contain a plurality of PD on the given circuit, thus must be very little such as the power demand of PD in the middle of active socket 10 grades, usually less than 1 watt.Optional switch 46 can be by the control of local mac processor, so that for downstream PD power supply control is provided from management and/or security purpose, this further discusses hereinafter.

Fig. 2 also shows mac processor 36, its control light-emitting diode (LED) 48.According to one embodiment of the invention, mac processor 36 serves as network port identification component, is used for when request the time, storing and providing identification information.In communication link, have two or more this LED 48 that receives mac processor 36 controls: at least one representes Link State; And another expression transmission/reception behavior at least.According to an embodiment, LED 48 is installed on the PC plate 18, and fluorescent tube 50 guides to light the outside of socket shell 12b.In optional embodiment, LED can be installed on the shell 12, and is electrically connected to PCB 18.According to optional embodiment, one or more LED possibly be associated with an active socket 10 and a socket shell 12.According to some embodiments of the present invention, the LED light of additional LEDs port or different colours can use, so that support the control and the monitoring of endpoint device.For example, can use the light of different colours or additional light to represent whether installation is accomplished, and help monitoring and safeguard that cable is connected.These embodiment can be for installing or the attendant provides the location cable to connect to break off required information, find the connection that should be noted that thus.

Translate into Fig. 2 b now, show optional according to an embodiment of the invention active socket.In the embodiment of Fig. 2 b, logic chip 51 is carried out the multinomial function of active socket, comprising: communicate forwarding through active socket; Carry out signal regeneration by active socket; Monitoring and report data throughput; To being installed, instruction and user instruction carry out memory stores; The logical identifier of effective socket; And the switching function of active socket, so that start or close communication through active socket.According to one embodiment of the invention, logic chip 51 comprises memory component, and this memory component is used to store one or more data fields that installation procedure will be followed between active socket installation period instruction template and/or installation procedure will be filled.Logic chip 51 is connected to the connection 53 of network one side and the connection 55 of user's one side.

Active socket according to some embodiments of the invention can be deployed in the environment of " through POE ".In these environment, active socket can be when consuming the required electric energy of its work, drops on again active socket is designated under the power consumption levels of the equipment that powers up in " through POE " environment.Active socket in this environment passes on the electric energy that offers the equipment of powering up.

Referring now to Fig. 3 a, show panel 24a according to an embodiment of the invention, it has an active socket 10.Fig. 3 b shows the panel 24b of another embodiment, and it has two active socket 10a and 10b.Fig. 3 c shows the panel 24c of another embodiment, and it has two

active socket

10a and 10b and a passive jack 52.Should be appreciated that, under specific installation situation, can realize using the some optional embodiment of a plurality of active and passive jack.Fig. 3 a, 3b and 3c also show LED light 49, are used for the installation and maintenance of auxiliary active socket.

Referring now to Fig. 4 a; According to one embodiment of the invention; In the wallboard of in the wall 54 of panel 24 back, being installed, comprise active according to an embodiment of the invention inlet unit 10, in illustrated user area 56, can insert the socket shell 12b of user's one side like this.Active inlet unit 10 is connected to horizontal cable 58 by means of terminating plug 60, terminating plug 60 make active inlet unit 10 or horizontal cable 58 test and the maintenance more easy.Perhaps, active inlet unit 10 can be connected to horizontal cable through the insulator displacement connector.

Active socket according to the present invention also is supported in and uses a plurality of user sides to connect in the active inlet unit and/or the connection of a plurality of network side.This embodiment can be used to realize that a subscriber equipment is connected to more than network of network one side.In addition, belong to one or more networks that more than subscriber equipment of a more than account on the network can be connected to single active socket and visit this active socket network one side.Structure with active socket of a plurality of network sides connections is also supported two homing guidances operations of active socket.In this operator scheme, active socket can be monitored the operability of the connection of a more than network side.Can not operate or run into other communication issue if master network connects to become, then can automatically switch to backup network and connect according to active socket of the present invention.At the active spigot that adopts this pair of automatic guidance system, provide above-mentioned this redundant network to connect the reliability of access to netwoks is enlarged markedly.

Fig. 4 b, 4c and 4d show the active socket embodiment that a plurality of user side used according to the invention and/or network side are connected.The active socket of Fig. 4 b, 4c and 4d is included in the wallboard, but should be appreciated that, they also can be included in other network element on demand.Fig. 4 b shows the active socket with two network

side connector shell

12a and 12c; These two

shell

12a and 12c are used to be connected to two network

side terminating plug

60a and 60b, and these two

plug

60a and 60b are connected to one or more network through two

horizontal cable

58a and 58b again.The active socket of Fig. 4 b allows a connection in the user area 56 can visit more than network connection.Connect although two networks have been shown, should be appreciated that, in present embodiment and other embodiment, network side can use the network more than two to connect.

Translate into Fig. 4 c now, a kind of active socket has two user

side connector shell

12b and 12d, and these two

shell

12b and 12d are used to be connected to two subscriber equipmenies.A network side connector shell 12a is used to be connected to network side terminating plug 60, and plug 60 is connected to network through horizontal cable 58 again.Present embodiment allows two subscriber equipmenies to be connected to active socket assembly.In addition; Because each user

side connector shell

12b and 12d can support the function of single active socket,, Fig. 4 c illustrated embodiment just can make all active socket functions be applied to a more than user side equipment so connecting through direct wall type with being equal to.Two user sides connect although shown is, should be appreciated that, in present embodiment and other embodiment, can use more than two user sides to be connected.

Fig. 4 d shows a kind of active socket embodiment, has wherein used two network

side connector shell

12a and 12c and two user side connector shell 12b and 12d.In the present embodiment, a more than subscriber equipment (such as, VOIP phone or other subscriber equipment) can be connected to more than network side connection.Fig. 4 d illustrated embodiment allows to have two homing guidances of the active jack wall assembly of the active socket of a plurality of user sides and uses.Therefore, can network redundancy be provided for a plurality of users or a plurality of subscriber equipment of this socket user side 56, in case major network fault or other communication issue.

In communication network, expectation can identify each user's physical location.This point is particular importance for supporting VOIP electronic urgent situation 911 databases, and wherein positional information can make the related personnel can be more easily in response to emergency.Positional information also can be supported the structured cable plant of being managed.Referring now to Fig. 5, active socket 10 is installed in the wall 54 in zone 62, and this active socket 10 is connected to distributing frame 64 and is connected to ip router 68 through stube cable 66 through horizontal cable 58.According to one embodiment of present invention, specific active socket 10 is relevant with its physical location information in database.For active socket 10 is associated with its physical location; Zone 62 physical location can with database 70 in about the information of active socket (for example; Its MAC Address) be associated, according to some embodiment, this database is an E911 database or can be by the database of E911 procedure identification.

In addition, can identify the equipment that is positioned at zone 62 and is connected to active socket 10 according to item types or project model, generation is connected to the bulleted list of active socket 10 and can monitors in real time through active socket 10 and is connected to the equipment on the network thus.For example, in campus network, the active socket that is distributed in the classroom allows the equipment that is connected on the campus network through active socket is carried out centralized monitoring.Therefore, specific if desired computer or optical projector then as long as this equipment is connected on the network, just can be easy to confirm the physical location and the logical place of this equipment in computer network of this computer or optical projector.According to one embodiment of the invention, can be associated with the physical location map of network with the corresponding directory information of the devices'physical locations that is connected to network, so that in real time the device location in the network is described.

According to one embodiment of the invention; The staff that active socket is installed can come input position information through the application program of using operation on the PC 72; Thereby make the physical location of active socket and active socket interrelated; Wherein PC 72 links to each other with the active socket 10 of local, active socket 10 MAC Address with himself and for example mentioned above.The MAC Address of the active socket 10 of local and the association of position data can be recorded on the PC 72, and after the work period that active socket is installed, can be transferred to management database 70.In optional embodiment, relevant information can directly be input in the database 70 through the network that links to each other.In another approach, staff's use test instrument 74, this instrument 74 can provide simpler interface to realize identical result.Tester 74 also can be carried out the multiple network test, to guarantee suitable network installation and connection state.In another embodiment, Net-connected computer 76 is used to upgrade location database based on the work order entry information.The part of the voice gateways of the part that database 70 shown in Figure 5 can be a NMS, the part of ip router 68 or VOIP system.

Translate into Fig. 6 now, show three access paths, be used to explain through using the method for active socket 10 managing structured interconnection cable network 78.The used structured network of this example is a PSE IP switch/router 80, and it is connected to first distributing frame 84 (this distributing frame 84 make port with passive jack) and is connected to second distributing frame 88 (this distributing frame 88 with active socket 10c as port) through stube cable 86 through stube cable 82.In first access path 90 shown in Figure 6, the subscriber equipment 92a as the VOIP phone is connected to network 78 through passive jack 52.The used subscriber equipment of present embodiment or other embodiment can be the phone, computer as the VOIP phone etc., and can be the equipment that powers up that from network connects, obtains electric energy.In first access path 90, open circuit if in cable system, have Anywhere, if perhaps equipment 92a powers up equipment and breaks connection from wall jack 52, then equipment 92a will cut off the power supply.This can be detected by PSE IP switch/router 80, but reason (for example, cable arrangement problem, office connect or device powers down) can't be confirmed.If mobile cable jumper 82 or connection horizontal cable 94a, then this moving will only be detected as equipment 92a outage.Comprise active socket and can be regarded as manageable interconnection distributing frame as the distributing frame of port because it and interconnection distributing frame system similarity can both be monitored and the control connection situation, only need a distributing frame simultaneously.

In second access path 96 of Fig. 6, subscriber equipment 92b is connected to network 78 through active wall jack 10a.In this case, no matter be in the stube cable 82 open circuit or horizontal cable 94b in open circuit, all can make subscriber equipment 92b (if this subscriber equipment is to power up equipment) and active socket 10a outage.At this moment, PSE IP switch/router 80 can notification database subscriber equipment 92b and active socket 10a no longer have promptly no longer electricity consumption.When restoring electricity, (under open circuit conditions, pass through cable change or maintenance), PSE IP switch/router 80 notices have connected one and have powered up equipment, ask because detected power supply at PSEIP switch/router 80 places.In addition, active socket 10a and equipment 92b send the Ethernet ARP message about energising, and this message representes that they have been present on the networking.If only be that equipment 92b breaks off connection, then this will be detected by PSE IP switch/router 80, and management software still can arrive and inquire active socket 10a.In addition, when only being that subscriber equipment 92b break off to connect and when connecting again subsequently, has only the equipment 92b that powers up again just to respond with Ethernet ARP message during power up.Active socket 10a and subscriber equipment 92b can be associated with given physical location, thereby assist management with the notice of break in service.

Shown in the 3rd access path 98, when active socket was deployed in the distributing frame 88, the active socket in the wall made the structurized maintenance of managing cable arrangement more easy.Yet,, just can obtain some additional function through using active jack technology at distributing frame and client's impact point place.In the 3rd access path 98, subscriber equipment 92c is connected to network 78 through active wall jack 10b and the horizontal cable 94 that links to each other with distributing frame 88, and wherein distributing frame 88 comprises active socket 10c.Distributing frame 88 is connected to PSE IP switch/router 80 through stube cable 86.In this case, open circuit, cable moves and/or moving of subscriber equipment 92c can be isolated from each other and identification individually, cut apart by active equipment 92c, 10b and 10c because connect network.Under the energising situation, each active equipment mentioned above all can be asked in response to Ethernet ARP, and produces Ethernet ARP about powering up the message of situation.For example, if mobile cable jumper 86, then subscriber equipment 92c, active socket 10b and patch panel jack 10c will all cut off the power supply.At this moment, the state after PSE changes with the similar notifying user equipment of required electric energy value, and can distinguish thus and only remove that subscriber equipment 92c and level or stube cable open circuit and/or move.When restoring electricity, the equipment of outage all sends Ethernet ARP request before all on network, is used to represent its existence.In addition, if on the port of PSE equipment 80 and the distributing frame 88 have between the source port or distributing frame 88 and active socket 10b between interconnection change, then can confirm and the position of administration change.

Referring now to Fig. 7, show with active socket 10 and control access to netwoks LAN 100.In the present embodiment, subscriber equipment 102a-n (such as the VOIP phone) is connected to network through each the active socket 10a-n among the 104a-n of each position.Although only show four subscriber equipmenies, should be appreciated that system and a method according to the invention can be used for many equipment of many positions four positions.Active socket 10a-n is connected to distributing frame 106 through horizontal cable plant 108.Distributing frame 106 is connected to PSE ip router equipment 110, and this equipment 110 is connected to unbroken power supply (UPS) 112 and supplies power through IEEE802.3AF draft standard power requirement equipment (for example, 102a-n and 10a-n) downstream.PSE equipment 110 is connected to ip router 114, and ip router 114 also serves as the VOIP gateway and is connected to database 116 or comprises database 116.Network manager 118 also is connected to LAN 100, and in an embodiment of the present invention can also through Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) message monitor and control various network elements (such as router one 10 and 114 and active socket 10a-n).According to some embodiments of the present invention, network manager 118 is carried out network supervisor, so that realize network management task.

As shown in Figure 2, active socket 10 has DC mains switch 46, and this switch 46 receives native processor 36 controls.Active socket 10 comprises switch 46, and the data that can control to any upstream device through native processor 36 thus connect and power supply, thus can strengthen security feature (such as, end points is isolated, equipment catalogue and authentication).Network management device 118 can the Control Network element, so that forbid the access to netwoks any end points carried out by periodic intervals (or in response to not authorized outside stimuluss such as services request).Network management device 118 sends signals to the processor that is arranged in active socket 10 36, and the switch 46 of specific location is broken off, and prevents that thus data flow from crossing these positions, has so just realized above-mentioned this point.Some such application are arranged, some period in one day, can limit visit the network of being managed.In network, use active socket 10 also to allow to use monitoring.For example, what come in handy is to limit some responsive or limited the Internet or enterprises site of office's visit.If not authorized visit is arranged, then network management device 118 is being recognized the position that can have the right to close the active socket that active socket 10 and record request equipment just using under the situation of this invasion.

Referring now to Fig. 8, show system according to an embodiment of the invention, this system provides Emergency Power and comes managing structured cable system through the active socket that uses the distributing frame place through distributing frame.User VOIP phone 120a-n among the 121a-n of user area is connected to the distributing frame 122 that powers up through horizontal cable plant 108 again through active wall jack 10a-n.The distributing frame 122 that powers up is connected to the IP switch 124 at the upper reaches, is the routing devices that are used for VOIP phone 120a-n at this IP switch 124 of normal work period.The distributing frame 122 that powers up also is connected to the local Emergency Power 126 (such as the battery of usefulness in emergency circumstances) and the voice gateways 128 of usefulness in emergency circumstances, and these voice gateways 128 also are connected to local emergency power supply 126.When having a power failure, the switch 124 at the upper reaches may cut off the power supply, and the distributing frame 122 that powers up can be transferred to local gateway 128 with divert voice traffic.According to some embodiment, data, services possibly cut off in outage, but voice service is maintained for use in emergency.

According to one embodiment of the invention, active socket be set at as in the distributing frame 122 of three port devices in the present embodiment, port is used for the user and connects, a port is used for network and connects, the 3rd port is used for the connection of emergency speech gateway 128.According to another embodiment of the invention, 128 connection connects realization through shared ethernet from distributing frame 122 to emergency gateway.According to another embodiment of the invention, the switch element of distributing frame use network side is connected to shared ethernet bus 130 with the network port of the active socket of this distributing frame.

Referring now to Fig. 9, show the block diagram of an embodiment of the distributing frame 122 that powers up.In the present embodiment, the active inlet unit 10a-x of 24 port distributing frames 122 is installed on the common printed circuit board (PCB) 132.Processor 134 is electrically connected to active socket 10a-x through bus 136 and controls the action of these sockets." DC is to DC " power supply changeover device 138 is the required power supply of local circuit with the power source conversion of input.For example, power supply changeover device 138 can be required 3.3 negative of local circuit with 48 volts of power source conversion of input.The power supply that will be used for local circuit connects 140 along power supply and is assigned to active socket 10a-x, so that this power supply is transferred to the equipment that powers up in downstream.According to an embodiment, specify active socket 10x from the PSE at the upper reaches, to extract 48 volts, and connect 142 with this 48 negative distributing to " DC is to DC " power supply changeover device 138 through the input power supply.Optional active socket (such as active socket 10w) also can be used for power extraction, for example, and when from the upper reaches PSE of redundancy, extracting electric energy." DC is to the DC power supply changeover device " 128 can confirm to use which power supply (for example 10w or 10x).In optional embodiment, can use additional socket, purpose only is power extraction.

Translate into Figure 10 now, show the optional structure 144 of active socket according to an embodiment of the invention.Active socket 144 can be used among the embodiment shown in Figure 9, wherein used the processor of sharing 134 and " DC is to DC " power supply changeover device of sharing, and single socket need not extract electric energy from the PSE at the upper reaches.The active socket 144 of Figure 10 comprises: the

transformer

146 and 148 at the upper reaches, and they are connected respectively to the

driver

150 and 152 at the upper reaches; And the

transformer

154 and 156 in downstream, they are connected respectively to the

driver

158 and 160 in downstream.Switch 162 is operably connected to power supply and connects 140; And the

power connector

164 and 166 that under processor control, can control through downstream through bus 136 is assigned to the transformer 154 in downstream and 156 electric energy, so that electric energy transferred to the equipment that powers up in downstream.Therefore, have only the

transformer

154 and 156 in downstream to come out from the centre cap tap, purpose is to pass on electric energy.According to another embodiment of the invention, switch 162 also can be operatively attached to reception (Rx) and sends (Tx) signal, and purpose is that turn-off data connects.

According to an embodiment of distributing frame 122 shown in Figure 9, active socket 10 has integrated LED, and they can help setter in interconnection or interconnection system.Figure 11 shows a kind of interconnection system, wherein with distributing frame 122 on the LED 168 that is associated of active socket 10 can be illumination or flash mode so that help setter.For example, where LED can indicate stube cable 86 or horizontal cable 108 will be connected to distributing frame 122.In the embodiment shown in fig. 11, place distributing frame 122 along the communication path between PSE IP switch/router 170 and the horizontal cable 108.According to an embodiment,, can realize the illumination of active socket LED through snmp message from management unit.Except the installation facility that led function provided; LED also can improve the cable management after the installation; Because LED can be the attendant and provides where this visual indication of the cable that can not operate is arranged, and be provided for reorganizing the visual instruction of the cable in the communication network.Although each active socket 144 only is associated with a LED among the figure, should be appreciated that a plurality of in some embodiments of the invention LED can be associated with an active socket.

Figure 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, and wherein distributing frame 122a and 122b are deployed in the cascade host-guest architecture.The distributing frame of disposing with cascade system shown in Figure 12 can make the cross connect system that all has LED 168 on each distributing frame where will remove maybe to the setter indication will install stube cable.

An embodiment according to the distributing frame that powers up 122 shown in Figure 13; Power supply as 48 volts of DC power supplys can obtain from local power supply 172; Local power supply 172 is DC battery pack that AC circuit PSE or emergency are used, thereby makes the distributing frame 122 that powers up become PSE equipment.According to another embodiment, by means of one of a plurality of local socket 10x shown in Figure 9, the power supply that just can from the PSE at the upper reaches, obtain as 48 volts of DC power supplys is supplied with.

In another embodiment; Shown in figure 14; Through using the active socket (such as socket 10k and 10I) in the distributing frame 122; By means of stube cable 176a and 176b, just can independently obtain power supply (such as 48 volts of DC power supplys) power ps E 174a and the 174b from two for distributing frame 122 power supplies.

Referring now to Figure 15, show multitenant unit (MDU) according to an embodiment of the invention.Use active socket to allow to activate service at independent dwelling unit place.In addition, also make dwelling house more convenient with communication security and management in the application such as work at home (SOHO).Broadband router 178 is connected to wide area network 180 so that carry out the outside connection, and is connected to the inner compartment system of MDU through the stube cable 86 that links to each other with distributing frame 182, and distributing frame 182 can be to have the distributing frame that powers up that powers up active socket.Distributing frame 182 can optionally comprise one or more active sockets 10 so that management.From distributing frame 182, horizontal cable plant is connected to separate location 184a-n, and these separate location 184a-n can be arranged in each man of resident family.Each position 184a-n comprises active socket 10a-n of wall installing type and subscriber equipment 186a-n.Each active socket 10a-n has MAC Address and the physical location information that is associated with this active socket.The used power supply of active socket 10 and subscriber equipment 186a-n can from ups power that broadband router 178 or distributing frame 182 link to each other obtain.Active socket is incorporated in user area and/or the broadband router 178 and can carries out telemanagement and diagnosis to cable infrastructure problem; Improve the fail safe of cable infrastructure; Activate service (promptly opening service and the service of closing) and monitor service; For multiple Ethernet is used power supply, and indicate each devices'physical locations.Performance monitoring also is improved because the service provider can the concentrated area identified problems accurate physics and the logical network location that connect, and need not to carry out more expensive investigation with regard to the home position problem.

Multitenant unit of the present invention is used and has been comprised the advantage of active each embodiment of socket described herein, so can extend to the network in resident family, office or hotel.The distribution of active socket in these networks can produce multiple useful characteristic.The use of the active socket 10a-n that distributes in the network is the realization of " the request service of tolling " system.This system can be implemented in the hotel, and wherein each position 184a-n is exactly a hotel room or meeting room.Active socket 10a-n can the monitor data throughput and to network manager's report data throughput.Therefore, the network manager can charge according to the data volume that equipment 186a-n sends or asks.In addition; Because each active socket 10a-n can be opened or closed by the network manager; So right to use of the active socket 10a-n in can each position 184a-n of centralized control; Thereby only allow the paying customer to use active socket separately, can also interrupt data flow through active socket 10a-n in case the time cycle of paying has expired.The expense of each packet or other data unit and can be accomplished based on payment schemes such as time payings, thus can be effectively with the user of network bandwidth allocation to those payings.Active socket can distribute by the network tree structure, make that the network manager can be easy to some independently active socket users' in the meeting room network insertion is managed, and need not each the active socket addressing in can the zone of access network.Active socket according to the present invention can be connected to other set in the network active socket, and set active socket can be connected to other set in the wall active socket or be connected to active socket set in the distributing frame in the wall.In addition, in network configurations more according to the present invention, set active socket can be connected to other set in distributing frame network outlet in the distributing frame.

Through identifying the communication issue in the single cable span, the way of active socket of in multitenant unit, using shown in Figure 15 has also strengthened the management of service provider to cable.The centralization control of active socket and monitoring also can make network manager can determine whether that the people is attempting not authorized network insertion or network intrusions, and further for network manager the physical location information necessary of confirming to attempt not authorized visit are provided.

Because the active socket or the wall jack that are incorporated in the distributing frame can send to remote network management system with link information; So send the technical staff to go the needs of determining apparatus situation or arrival service equipment to reduce to some extent to remote site, this clock need have been eliminated in many cases.About other multiple-user embodiment described herein, should be appreciated that though only show user seldom, the present invention can be used to realize more user.

Active socket according to the present invention can be used to expand the physical extent of Ethernet system.Through making the signal regeneration that receives, the active socket of arranging along communication path can be used for increasing the effective range of signal, thereby makes communication path firmer.In addition, since each active socket can make ethernet signal regeneration in certain embodiments of the present invention, locate the IP switch with distributing frame so and router just there is no need.In addition, because active socket can be placed in the distributing frame or the wall jack place, so communication path can be designed to keeping utilizing active socket to arrange well simultaneously cheaply.Active socket also can be used in combination with radio network unit (is " WAP " such as WAP), so that the characteristic of active socket is provided in wireless network.

Figure 16 shows the block diagram that uses active socket to come the communication network of extended network scope.In network shown in Figure 16, NE 188 (such as switch) has first radius " R1 ", and NE can connect the conduction network signal through lead in this radius.Therefore, NE 188 has first dashed circle " C1 " but represented operating area 190.But the effective area that near the active socket 10 the operating area that is positioned at NE 188 190 girths provides lead connection 192 will increase this system, the signal of communication because active socket 10 can be regenerated.Second circle " C2 " with second radius " R2 " shows the effective area 194 after the expansion, and this just realizes when having used active socket 10.Through using a plurality of active sockets 10, perhaps, can further realize expansion through providing additive wire to connect 196 from active socket 10 to WAP 198.Should be appreciated that the active socket that is used for range expansion shown in Figure 16 can provide as wall jack, or provide as the active socket in the distributing frame.In addition; Should be appreciated that; WAP 198 and active socket 10 can be deployed in the desired various structures in the particularly network application, and active socket can be set in the zone that WAP serves so as regeneration along the signal that WAP sent of other cable.In addition, although R1 is approximately equal with R2 among Figure 16, should be appreciated that some embodiments of the present invention can use two different radiuses.When networking issue appearred in primary wireless access points, the active socket of WAP and dual boot (describing with reference to Fig. 4 b) can be used for the equipment access is switched to time WAP from primary wireless access points.

Translate into Figure 17 now, show the cross-sectional view of patch panel assemblies 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.Patch panel assemblies 200 is applicable to the distributing frame that powers up, and can supply power to endpoint device (such as the VOIP phone).According to an embodiment, this distributing frame is a kind of distributing frame of 24 port mid-span, and it can provide technology (such as the used technology of Cisco Systems company) through POE (PoE) according to IEEE 802.3af standard and proprietary power supply.This distributing frame comprises the power control circuit that is used for to the endpoint device power supply.According to an embodiment,, be implemented to the connection state management of Local Area Network with daisy chaining through NIC (NIC).The daisy chain management port has reduced the waste of ethernet switch port, when other PoE power supply unit requires the individual ethernet switching port of every unit to be connected to Ethernet switch, just possibly produce above-mentioned this waste.

According to an embodiment, can 48 volts of DC power supplys be provided through 100 meters unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable according to distributing frame of the present invention.Below mode of operation be available and be provided with by automatic testing circuit:

-according to the mid-span power reguirements, the power supply that meets IEEE 802.3af is provided

-according to another agreement (such as, the specialized protocol of Cisco Systems company), power supply is provided

-electric energy from span end-equipment (for example switch) power supply unit (PSE) is passed through, thereby (1,2) and (3,6) of eight lead cables lead on electric energy is provided.

According to an embodiment, at first come realization equipment (these equipment are applicable to through the IEEE802.3af standard and receive electric energy) to detect through scanning.For the incompatible equipment of those and this standard, use second kind of scheme to scan those and the compatible equipment that powers up of another kind of agreement (such as the used agreement of Cisco Systems company).

Through one 19 " 24 ports in the EIA standard carriage space, power supply distributing frame according to the present invention can be supported the transmission of 10/100Base-T Ethernet.This distributing frame is applicable to and from local power supply, obtains electric energy, and through communication cable electric energy offered the equipment of powering up, and need not to join independent power supply for each powers up equipment.Shown in Figure 17 and 18, patch panel assemblies 200 comprises RJ-45 socket 202 on its front panel 203 (such as metal decking).At the rear of patch panel assemblies 200,110 downward plug-in modules 204 of standard are set in the rear board 205.

LED indicating device 206 is set, so that show the state that powers up equipment (PD) on the plate 203 in front.Additional LEDs can be set with the display system state.According to an embodiment, each port respectively is provided with a LED that color is different, thereby can transmit out of Memory.On near the rear board 205 the NIC port (not shown), two LED can be set, so that the visual indication of system management state to be provided.Before LED 206 can be set on the PCB 208, wherein fluorescent tube 210 serves as a pipeline to allow light in sight on the plate 203 in front.

Main printed circuit board 212 be installed to electronic component on the surface mount side 214 and penetrating hole and surface mount side 216 on.Main printed circuit board 212 is connected to the PCB208 of front through the flexible PCB 218 of front, and is connected to the PCB 222 of back through the flexible PCB 220 of back.The printed circuit board (PCB) of back is connected to downward plug-in module 204, and is being supportted by machinery mount 224.Shown in figure 18,

flexible PCB

218 and 220 can be connected to the PCB that has joint 226.The way of in distributing frame, flexible circuit being included as a kind of interconnection can reduce cost, reduces the size of this unit, and improves performance and flexibility.According to an embodiment, about four inches from RJ-45 socket 202 to the distance L of downward plug-in module 204.

Translate into Figure 19 now, the network path along between Ethernet switch 230 and the user PoE equipment 232 shows a distributing frame that powers up 228.Stube cable 234 is connected to the distributing frame 228 that powers up with Ethernet switch 230, and horizontal cable 236 then is connected to user PoE equipment 232 with the distributing frame that powers up 228.Horizontal cable 236 connects (not shown) through distributing frame 228 110 down inserting types at the back that power up and is connected to the distributing frame 228 that powers up.The distributing frame 228 that powers up can comprise the patch panel assemblies that powers up 200 shown in Figure 17 and 18.

According to the present invention, the distributing frame that powers up is included in the support can increases the density that the PoE port is provided in this support.The distributing frame 228 that powers up according to the present invention can be set in the various structure.For example, Figure 20 a and 20b show front view that powers up distributing frame 228a and the top view with straight shape structure respectively, and a plurality of distributing frame 228a that power up are installed in the rack environment 238.Similar is that Figure 21 a and 21b show respectively to have angular structure and be installed in front view that powers up distributing frame 228b and the top view in the rack environment 238.The distributing frame 228b that powers up with angular structure improves to some extent to the management of stube cable 234.

The distributing frame that powers up can provide whole PoE abilities, and need not any external software.Also software manager can be set.Management software can be used as independently that element manager (EM) is provided with, and it will be used to not have in the implementation of network management system (nms).Managerial ability also can provide through NMS software.In one embodiment, each distributing frame all needs an IP address so that utilize managerial ability, and wherein Dynamic Host Control Protocol (DHCP) is the default method that is used for the distributing IP address.

The distributing frame that powers up according to the present invention can comprise active socket, and perhaps they can have non-active communication socket.Under latter event, the distributing frame that powers up is suitable for the distributing frame of the standard of doing, and has the additional function that electric energy is provided to the equipment of powering up.

The distributing frame EM software that powers up has some kinds of abilities.For example, EM software can let the network manager find in the network all compatible distributing frames that power up.Physical location information (such as patch panel room location and rack number) about powering up distributing frame can be imported in the EM software.Independent port can according to command selection property open or close.According to criticality, can optionally make these port outages.For example, when power failure needs emergency power supply, can optionally close some ports.The real-time graph of distributing frame power supply status and failure condition and port and PD state shows can be provided.In these characteristics some or all can be included in the EM software.

Although illustrated and described specific embodiment of the present invention and application; But should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to precision architecture disclosed herein and composition, and under the situation of the spirit and scope of the present invention that do not deviate from appended claims and defined, from the description of preceding text, can obviously see various modifications, variation and variant.

Claims

1. connect the traffic patch bay of usefulness between endpoint device and the upstream network device in network, said traffic patch bay comprises:

The a plurality of front sides communications connector that in the front panel of said traffic patch bay, is provided with;

The a plurality of rear side communications connectors that in the rear board of said traffic patch bay, are provided with, each said rear side communications connector all are electrically connected to a corresponding front side communications connector in the communications connector of said a plurality of front sides;

Be connected the middle power control circuit of each front side communications connector and rear side communications connector, said power control circuit can offer endpoint device with the electric energy in the power supply along communication cable;

First management port is used to provide the connection between said traffic patch bay and the said network of network management system; And

Automatically testing circuit is used to be provided with mode of operation according to IEEE 802.3af standard or another agreement electric energy to be provided.

2. traffic patch bay as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, said a plurality of front sides communications connector comprises the RJ-45 socket.

3. traffic patch bay as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, said a plurality of rear side communications connectors comprise downward plug-in module.

4. traffic patch bay as claimed in claim 1 also comprises second management port, and a plurality of thus traffic patch bays just can be connected to the individual ethernet switch ports themselves so that management through using daisy chain to connect.

5. traffic patch bay as claimed in claim 1; Also comprise a plurality of power supply indicators on the front panel of said traffic patch bay, each said power supply indicator is associated with one of said front side port and indicates the state of the endpoint device that is associated with corresponding front side port.

6. traffic patch bay as claimed in claim 5 is characterized in that, each said power supply indicator comprises the fluorescent tube between the front panel that is installed in the LED on the interior circuit board of said traffic patch bay and is connected said LED and said traffic patch bay.

7. traffic patch bay as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that said power control circuit can be used for carrying out administration order, and said administration order comprises and is selected from least one following order: allow the network manager to find all compatible distributing frames that power up; Transmission is about the information of the physical location of said traffic patch bay; Optionally be the communications connector power supply; And the real time information about distributing frame power supply status and failure condition is provided.

8. connect the traffic patch bay of usefulness between endpoint device and the upstream network device in network, said traffic patch bay comprises:

The a plurality of front sides RJ-45 communications connector that in the front panel of said traffic patch bay, is provided with;

The downward plug-in type communications connector of a plurality of rear sides that in the rear board of said traffic patch bay, are provided with, the downward plug-in type communications connector of each said rear side all are electrically connected to a corresponding front side RJ-45 communications connector in the RJ-45 communications connector of said a plurality of front sides;

Be connected the middle power control circuit of the downward plug-in type communications connector of each front side RJ-45 communications connector and rear side, said power control circuit can offer endpoint device with the electric energy in the power supply along communication cable; And

9. traffic patch bay as claimed in claim 8; Also comprise first and second management ports; Be respectively applied for the connection that provides between said traffic patch bay and the said network of network management system, provide of the connection of a plurality of distributing frames so that management through using daisy chain to be connected to the individual ethernet switching port with being used for.

10. traffic patch bay as claimed in claim 8; Also be included in the power supply indicator on the front panel of said traffic patch bay, each said power supply indicator all is associated with one of said front side RJ-45 communications connector and the state of the endpoint device that indication is associated with corresponding RJ-45 communications connector.

11. traffic patch bay as claimed in claim 10 is characterized in that, each said power supply indicator comprises the fluorescent tube between the front panel that is installed in the LED on the interior circuit board of said traffic patch bay and is connected said LED and said traffic patch bay.

12. traffic patch bay as claimed in claim 8 is characterized in that, said power control circuit can be used for carrying out administration order, and said administration order comprises and is selected from least one following order: allow the network manager to find all compatible distributing frames that power up; Transmission is about the information of the physical location of said traffic patch bay; Optionally be the communications connector power supply; And the real time information about distributing frame power supply status and failure condition is provided.

13. connect the traffic patch bay of usefulness between endpoint device and the upstream network device in network, said traffic patch bay comprises:

The a plurality of front sides RJ-45 communications connector that in the front panel of said traffic patch bay, is provided with is used for being connected to the upstream network device of said network;

The downward plug-in type communications connector of a plurality of rear sides that in the rear board of said traffic patch bay, are provided with; Be used for being connected to the endpoint device of said network, the downward plug-in type communications connector of each said rear side all is electrically connected to a corresponding front side RJ-45 communications connector in the RJ-45 communications connector of said a plurality of front sides;

Be connected the middle power control circuit of the downward plug-in type communications connector of each front side RJ-45 communications connector and rear side, said power control circuit can offer endpoint device with the electric energy in the power supply along communication cable;

First management port is used to provide the connection between said traffic patch bay and the said network of network management system;

Second management port, a plurality of thus traffic patch bays just can be connected to the individual ethernet switch ports themselves so that management through using daisy chain to connect; And

Automatically testing circuit is used to be provided with mode of operation according to IEEE 802.3af standard or another agreement electric energy to be provided;

Wherein said power control circuit can be used for carrying out administration order, and said administration order comprises and is selected from least one following order: allow the network manager to find all compatible distributing frames that power up; Transmission is about the information of the physical location of said traffic patch bay; Optionally be the communications connector power supply; And the real time information about distributing frame power supply status and failure condition is provided.

14. traffic patch bay as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that, said a plurality of front sides RJ-45 communications connector is connected on the said circuit board through flexibly connecting.

15. traffic patch bay as claimed in claim 13 is characterized in that, the downward plug-in type communications connector of said a plurality of rear sides is connected to said circuit board through flexibly connecting.